SA: Reggae gets own category at SAMAs 2019

“RiSA is proud to announce that reggae is now a standalone category known as Best Reggae Album after breaking away from the Best R&B/Soul and Reggae Album,” RiSA, which is the official organiser of the SAMAs and the main body representing the South African recording industry, said. “This is an acknowledgement of the burgeoning music genre, which has witnessed an upswing in recent years.”

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi welcomed the development. “We always strive to present an award ceremony that reflects the direction that the music industry takes,” he said. “We remain responsive, agile and decisive when it comes to ensuring that the industry feels represented."

Furthermore, the following categories have had their names adjusted:

• Best R&B/Soul Album replaces Best R&B/Soul and Reggae Album.
• Best Kwaito/Gqom/Amapiano Album is the new name for Best Kwaito Album.
• Rest of Africa Award replaces Best African Artist. This category aims at recognising the achievement and impact that artists from the 'rest of the African continent' have had within South Africa's borders during the specified qualifying SAMA period.

"These changes are welcomed and celebrated and we look forward to honouring worthy musicians come the time for nominations,” Sibisi said.

RiSA said: “We pride ourselves in reflecting the changes that are happening within the South African music landscape. Entries are now open for all recording artists who have released an album, which has a minimum of four songs, between 1 February 2018 and 31 January 2019.”

In November, Music In Africa published an article calling on artists to send their entries in order to stand a chance of being nominated for SAMAs 2019. The application deadline is 31 January.